A MANIFESTO
FOR CREATIVE WELLBEING IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
INTRODUCTION OUTPOST ARTS DIRECTOR
From 2021-22, following the successful delivery of a pilot creative prescribing project in Langholm during lockdown, and with support from SOSE, Dumfries and Galloway Health Board Endowment Fund and The Holywood Trust, OutPost Arts carried out a significant scoping, research and development project around regional creative wellbeing potential - mapping existing creative wellbeing strategies and stakeholders, scoping opportunities, forming partnerships and identifying and co-designing next steps via engagement and consultation.
This marked a significant step forward for creative wellbeing in our region, with strategic alliances and significant agreements formed as a result. Through these new relationships, supported by Dumfries and Galloway Health Board Endowment Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Holywood Trust, The Robertson Trust, and Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, we established the ‘DG Creative Wellbeing’ project in early 2023, forming a Creative Wellbeing Network, embedding a vibrant arts programme into healthcare in partnership with NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and creating a range of community-based initiatives. These efforts have had hugely meaningful impacts on the wellbeing of participants (and those who care for them), and in many cases has significantly improved their lives.
The ‘Manifesto for Creative Wellbeing in Dumfries and Galloway’ seeks to pull together learning and emerging themes from this work, creating an evidence-based foundation for future action and creativity.
OutPost Arts could not have taken these important steps forward without the help, support and trust of our funders, artists, participants, partners and supporters, and we are truly grateful for their energy, investment, understanding, cooperation, friendship and, of course – their creativity!
EASY READ
• The DG Creative Wellbeing project brings arts into healthcare and community programmes have helped lots of people’s wellbeing.
• A Creative Wellbeing Network connects everyone involved.
• The Manifesto for Creative Wellbeing in Dumfries and Galloway is based on what OutPost Arts have learned thus far, delivering the DG Creative Wellbeing project, and it will guide future actions.
• Everyone should have access to art, culture and creativity.
Being creative is an essential part of being human, and it’s one we often neglect as we age because of educational structures, life’s demands, stigma, poverty, isolation and other barriers. Human expression keeps us well!
This is a Manifesto to inspire, inform and positively disrupt the conversation about creative wellbeing in our region.
The Manifesto increases the awareness and understanding of the power and potential of incorporating creative wellbeing in our lives, speaking in plain language to increase accessibility.
We aim to express the Manifesto in new, creative and exciting ways, encouraging audiences to engage with and form their own connections to its themes and messages.
Outpost Arts will initiate this next stage by bringing together stakeholders from a range of backgrounds and specialisms to explore the Manifesto’s themes as a starting point for dialogue, learning, partnership and most importantly – to spark creativity.
It’s not just words - the Manifesto is an agenda for change, and it is for all of us.
Lucy Bell Creative Health & Wellbeing Director
EASY READ
• The Manifesto is for everyone.
• Being creative is important for everyone but we can face barriers.
• Creativity helps us stay healthy.
• This Manifesto aims to inspire change and show how being creative can improve our lives.
• In February 2025, there will be a Creative Health and Wellbeing Symposium to inspire positive change.
A MANIFESTO TO PROMOTE A CREATIVE WELLBEING APPROACH
WE ARE ALL ARTISTS
We are all born with an innately creative spirit, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the world around us. From a young age, we instinctively test, investigate, and seek in order to understand our environment, and it is through this process that creativity blossoms. By engaging in activities like drawing, storytelling, music, and play, children not only enjoy themselves, but also develop critical lifelong skills such as self-expression, communication, and problem-solving. These creative experiences help shape their ability to navigate and understand the world and form relationships, building essential tools for personal and social growth.
“Every child is an artist until he’s told he’s not an artist…” John Lennon
In early childhood, creativity and imaginative play are embraced without judgment, and art is integrated into learning to support core subjects like maths, history and science. Creative engagement and actions support young children to grasp concepts - fostering self-expression and critical thinking.
In secondary school, the focus on ‘the arts’ narrows, shifting towards academic achievement. As a result, technical skills, such as the ability to create realistic drawings, are prioritised and favoured, creating a divide between those who can and cannot ‘do’ art. With perceived success judged by the ability to meet rigid standards, many young people disconnect from engagement in creative pursuits, limiting their artistic development. The broader benefits of creativity are overlooked, limiting opportunities to achieve wellbeing outcomes through participation.
This shortsighted approach to arts and culture has resulted in generations of people feeling art simply ‘isn’t for them’. By dismissing the natural benefits of being creative for large numbers of the population at an incredibly formative age, we set a tone which can carry on through adulthood. In later years, exploring art often becomes an issue of confidence, rather than curiosity, and this stumbling block can be difficult to overcome without targeted support, guidance and encouragement.
The challenge is to integrate creativity into higher education in an accessible way that enables pupils’ wellbeing to benefit, equipping them with selfmanagement tools that will help them tackle challenging times that may be ahead, whether they decide to explore art as an academic subject or not.
Creativity is one aspect of learning that all people can freely access, regardless of ability, background, culture or language, and the Creative Wellbeing Approach advances this notion further – it is an invitation to return to youthful curiosity and wonder, where there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be artistic – where we erase the ideology that being creative is a rare, given talent and replace it with an attitude that art is for healing, for transformation, for expression, for exploration, for distraction – for EVERYONE.
EASY READ
• Everyone is born creative, and through art and play, children learn important skills. Creativity builds confidence, helps us understand others, and makes us happy.
• Many secondary school students lose confidence and feel like art isn’t for them.
• If we included art more broadly in secondary schools, everyone could benefit from it.
• Creativity is for everyone, no matter their background or ability. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of making art.
• The Creative Wellbeing Approach focuses on creative expression, exploration and healing.
2. CREATIVITY IS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE
CREATIVITY IS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE
The act of creating is a biological need, basic to human nature. Anthropologist Ellen Dissanayake describes creating as “making special”. Creativity includes the arts, but really encompasses our whole lives, and every act in which we “make special” can be a creative one – from the cakes we bake, the garden plants we curate, the rooms we decorate, and the outfits that we put together
It is this ethos that underpins the Creative Wellbeing Approach - the belief that everyone engaging in creativity ‘makes special’ in their own way, and that by encouraging people to be creative and participate in the arts for no other reason than pleasure, distraction, expression, mindfulness or experimentation, we remove traditional expectations around achievementpromoting wellbeing and encouraging personal growth and transformation.
The arts naturally influence our state of mind in ways that have become clearer to us over the past few years through our experience of the Covid 19 pandemic. Creativity, art and culture allow us to process and express difficult feelings, help us to understand sensitive subject matters, provide platforms to communicate, and allow us to connect with our environment, ourselves and others. Through the creative process we learn how to experiment and build resilience by trying new things and pushing through ‘failure’. Creativity offers up chances to engage with our fears, experiences, hopes and dreams and as a result, new possibilities emerge.
DG Creative Wellbeing project’s Art in Healthcare programme has allowed OutPost Arts to embed creativity into the ‘clinical experience’ to support the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors. With its activities carefully designed and delivered to respond to the barriers of those taking part, we have been able to support positive change. At Midpark Hospital – a unit for people from across the region experiencing acute mental health difficulties - patients and staff have taken part in regular creative workshops together in a common space. The sessions allow participants to relate to each other as equals, using art as a vehicle for relaxation, distraction, self-expression and exploration.
“I most enjoyed that the session gave me space, choice and conversation. I felt liberated…” Midpark Hospital Patient
As well as allowing staff and patients to participate in activities that produce positive, tangible outcomes (work is shared in a linked exhibition programme), the workshops plant seeds of change, supporting participants to developcreative tools to better self-manage mental health difficulties and express feelings or experiences that may be challenging to put into words.
By empowering people to take charge of their own wellbeing and produce outcomes that positively impact on or educate others, we create the right conditions to transform lives and environments.
*even small changes can be transformative!
EASY READ
• The Creative Wellbeing Approach prioritises the act of creating and the building of supportive communities for sharing and personal growth.
• Being creative helps us cope with emotions, lets us connect with others, and builds resilience.
• The DG Creative Wellbeing project brings creative workshops to Midpark Hospital, supporting mental health by allowing patients and staff to relax and express themselves through art.
• Creative wellbeing activities help people manage their mental health, express tough emotions, and make work that can positively impact themselves and others.
3. CREATIVE WELLBEING IS ABOUT THE JOURNEY AND NOT THE DESTINATION
CREATIVE WELLBEING IS ABOUT THE JOURNEY AND NOT THE DESTINATION
Finding fulfilment and satisfaction in the act of creating, regardless of the result, allows a person to detach from the fear of failure and find solace in the exploration, experimentation, and self-expression that is inherent in a creative process.
The Creative Wellbeing Approach prioritises creative research, play, reflection and development, and constructive evaluation of outcomes - focusing on the wider benefits that artistic investigation offers. From self-discovery and personal growth to increased motivation and inspiration for artistic pursuits - the benefits of this approach are evident in the Art Journal Project and Creative Toolbox projects, where participants embark on a voyage of discovery, delving into various themes and exploring techniques that stimulate ideas and expand horizons.
As well as providing creative outlets, the projects foster a sense of safety, community and belonging, empowering participants to pursue their artistic passions and form friendships with confidence and enthusiasm. Surrounded by a network of people with mutual lived experience and common interests, participants are encouraged to exchange insights - inspiring each other to overcome difficulties. ‘Failures’ are reframed as stepping stones towards resilience and self-acceptance.
As a result of this journey-led approach, graduates report heightened confidence, increased self-worth, and a renewed commitment to keep developing their creative selves. The projects promote, kindness, understanding, compassion and acceptance – encouraging participants to treat themselves as they treat others, which promotes feeling of positivity and optimism.
“I learned to love the big mess I made and to accept it as part of the process.”
Art
Journal Project Graduate
Confidence and self-esteem is boosted through the gradual expansion of ‘comfort zones’, underlining and highlighting the potential for learning and unexpected discovery - embracing uncertainty and exploring a variety of mediums, practises, and artforms to ignite and inspire a spirit of creative curiosity and risk-taking.
Opportunities to work as a collective further enhances the wellbeing aspects of the creative process, encouraging progress to be seen through the eyes of others - soothing the destructive inner critic voice that many of us possess.
Art Journal Project and Creative Toolbox programmes build in individual and collective reflection – supporting participants to self-assess their personal progress and the progress of others, which facilitates growth and, at times, profound realisation.
EASY READ
• The Creative Wellbeing Approach helps people enjoy creating without fearing failure, building confidence and resilience through community support and shared experiences.
• This approach boosts confidence and growth by embracing challenges and encouraging creative exploration.
• Group activities help reduce self-doubt and inspire creative curiosity.
4. CREATIVE WELLBEING IS FOR
EVERYONE
CONFRONTING HEALTH INEQUALITIES AND BARRIERS
CREATIVE WELLBEING IS FOR EVERYONE
The Creative Wellbeing Approach focuses on addressing and overcoming the barriers that block a person’s creative potential. Common feelings such as fear, stress, self-doubt or a lack of motivation, and difficulties such as illness, poverty and isolation prevent people from being creative by disrupting their access to the art and culture opportunities that could potentially increase their support networks and ultimately protect their health and wellbeing.
“I learnt to be non-judgmental - to allow myself to play and play and play.”
Art Journal Project Graduate
Our Art in Healthcare activities, and community-based projects and programmes, such as Art Journal Project and Creative Toolbox, are free for participants to take part in, with access to materials and transportation. Thought and consideration is given to people’s access needs and adaptions are made when possible. The community team is currently testing alternative modes of delivery for adults who are housebound, utilising video communication platforms, recorded resources, remote gallery tours, access to online communities, and personalised support.
People dealing with difficulties such as chronic illness, poor mental health and addiction have been proven to benefit from increased access to creative wellbeing-focused initiatives. Dr Cathy Sloane, author of The Baring Foundation’s ‘Creatively Minded and in Recovery’ report, which focuses on exploring participatory arts for people with addictions, notes:
“The creative arts are particularly effective processes that enable self-discovery, through imagination and storytelling, and facilitate participation in supportive social environments. Such activities can create ‘atmospheres of recovery’ that increase wellbeing and, subsequently, contribute to sustained journeys of recovery.”
Participation in the arts also confronts the loss of identity commonly felt by caregivers and people experiencing chronic illness, disability, addiction and trauma - creating opportunities for self-expression and personal exploration. By taking part in creative activities, a person can reclaim ‘lost’ parts of themselves and increase feelings of self-worth.
We may not be able to remove all barriers for people, but by truly understanding the obstacles faced by people and communities across Dumfries and Galloway; through working in partnership with health and care services, and by incorporating the thoughts and opinions of participants into programming, we can deliver truly accessible opportunities and create a more fertile environment to facilitate meaningful change.
EASY READ
• The Creative Wellbeing Approach removes barriers like fear and poverty, makes creativity accessible and provides opportunities suited to each person’s needs.
• Being creative has shown to help people dealing with longterm illness, mental health issues, and addiction.
• We make creative activities more accessible by understanding barriers and working with others to address them.
5. CREATIVE WELLBEING IS ABOUT LIVING WELL
CREATIVE WELLBEING IS ABOUT LIVING WELL
Health and wellbeing are often viewed as the sole responsibility of the clinical health sector, but in reality, a person’s health is influenced by a variety of factors, such as socio-economic conditions, lifestyle, cultural and environmental conditions, and social networks, as well as age, sex, and genetics. To achieve and sustain ‘wellness’, contributions from a broader range of stakeholders are requiredfrom community groups, third sector organisations, local authorities, healthcare services and political leaders to family, friends, and wider social networks.
In 1948, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition ties health directly to wellbeing and recognises it as a human right that requires both physical and social resources. From this perspective, health is about more than just avoiding illness - it’s about living well and participating fully in society, which includes having access to art and culture.
A global review of the evidence around the role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing carried out by WHO in 2019 demonstrated that the arts can potentially impact positively on both mental AND physical health.
Within prevention and promotion, findings showed that the arts can support child development, encourage health-promoting behaviours, help to prevent ill health, support caregiving and affect the social determinants of health. The review also revealed that alongside supporting positive mental health, the arts can support care for people with acute conditions, help to support people with neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders, assist with the management of noncommunicable diseases and support end of life care.
DG Creative Wellbeing’s clinical and community programme evaluation outcomes strongly evidence art’s important role in supporting people’s health – allowing them to live well. Our evaluation suggests that this benefit extends to participant’s family members and friends – most noticeably those connected to our youth participants, many of whom struggle with low mood, self-harming behaviours, and social isolation. In many cases, improvements in a participant’s mental health and social confidence have transformed the outlook of their entire family, reducing worry and anxiety which can lead to mental and physical illness.
“I can’t stress just how important the Creative Toolbox project has been. The effect on our family has been immense”. Youth programme parent
Many of the ‘building blocks’ of health and wellbeing, such as access to housing, employment and public services are deteriorating after a decade of austerity and the COVID-19 pandemic – particularly for people living in rural areas such as Dumfries and Galloway. Now more than ever, innovative and effective interventions and supports are needed to help people be creative and live well.
EASY READ
• Health isn’t just about medicine; it includes community, lifestyle, and support.
• A WHO review found that the arts can improve mental and physical health, helping with child development and the management of diseases.
• Improving a person’s mental health and confidence reduces stress for their families.
• With fewer services available, especially in rural areas, access to artfor-wellbeing opportunities helps people stay creative and healthy.
6. THE CREATIVE HEALTH & WELLBEING APPROACH
REQUIRES INVESTIGATION, UNDERSTANDING AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
THE CREATIVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING APPROACH REQUIRES INVESTIGATION, UNDERSTANDING AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
With growing waiting lists for mental health services, an ageing population, and an increase in long-term health conditions, the need for creative intervention is greater than ever. Despite this, organisations driving forward important creative health and wellbeing work are perpetually challenged to achieve long-term impacts with shortterm funding. The recently announced rises to National Insurance Contributions for employers promises to significantly hamper support for local populations. Arts funders also face increasing pressure and without more stability, creative health and wellbeing initiatives risk being scaled back or discontinued altogether.
From a South of Scotland perspective, organisations historically experience barriers accessing policymakers and national networks, and struggle to connect with wider opportunities. Despite the remarkable success of regional initiatives, the lack of a national strategy for creative health and wellbeing in Scotland means that organisations, projects and programmes are vulnerable to funding cuts and uncertainty.
Conversely, Public Health Scotland recently announced the integration of creative health into their strategic framework moving forward – reflecting a fundamental appreciation of art and culture’s powerful connection to wellbeing. The 2024 Healing Arts Scotland initiative has sparked alliances to form, and an informal network of regional Scottish Arts and Health Leads has emerged that will hopefully help shape national strategies. Indeed, based on the pioneering work taking place in clinical and community settings in recent years, the attitude of senior health sector leaders across the UK and beyond is becoming ever more persuaded of the benefits of creativity for people with physical and mental health problems.
In response to the challenges and the obvious opportunities, guided by recommendations from the National Partnership for Culture, the Scottish Government has formed a new Culture and Health Working Group which aims to promote collaboration between portfolios, advocate for the arts’ role in health initiatives, and share learning from ongoing creative health programmes. This move certainly mirrors the need for improved cross-policy working and will hopefully secure cross-portfolio funding. It remains unclear, however, how this shift in government focus will benefit organisations ‘on the ground’, and how long it will take to notice positive changes.
The recent announcement of a substantially increased investment in Art and Culture by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding is warmly welcomed, but it is worth noting that many grassroots organisations lacked the capacity to apply and therefore remain vulnerable to an increasingly squeezed funding landscape.
Moving forward, clearer ‘ownership’ at a government level, increased core funding for dedicated roles, and stronger policies informed by the very real barriers faced by grassroots organisations across Scotland are needed to anchor creative health and wellbeing as a strategic priority.
EASY READ
• Creative health and wellbeing programmes like those in Dumfries and Galloway improve mental health, reduce isolation, and support wellbeing, but they face challenges.
• The Scottish Government is working to integrate arts and health, but rural regions will particularly struggle without long-term support.
• Stronger policies are needed to support creative health and wellbeing initiatives.
